The planet Mars was named such from ancient times (Greek and Roman). When priests and poets looked up, they envisioned various mythological figures residing there. The planets were named as wanderers that are not restricted in movement like the twinkling stars are. They were named after the main deities of the time, in accordance with what they looked like and their movements. The brightest one was debated to be called Jupiter (chief god), but how can this brightest planet that always hugs the sun (slave of the sun) be named after the king of the gods. It was therefore named Venus for its dazzling white beauty. That swift planet hugging the sun was named Mercury for its speed. Saturn was a not so bright one and very slow moving across the heavens so it was named after the god of time, the bringer of old age. That bright blood-red wanderer was named after the god of war, Mars. It's two moons were named after War's companions Phobos and Deimos (Fear and Terror).